Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
Fiction
2002
Finished July 16, 2002
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973."
So begins the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in heaven, a place that is not at all what she expected, even as she is watching life on earth continue without her -- her friends trading rumors about her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken family unraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, The Lovely Bones succeeds, miraculously, in building a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.
My Original Thoughts (2002):
An interesting perspective on the afterlife of a murdered teen. Susie Salmon is raped and murdered in the first few pages of Sebold's remarkable novel. Susie narrates the story, allowing the reader to see through her eyes how family and friends deal with their loss while they attempt to discover who killed her in such a violent manner. Extremely well-written, yet disturbing to this mother of a teenage daughter. I did enjoy the little glimpses of "heaven" through Susie's eyes. It was easy to care about the characters. Great storytelling!
My Current Thoughts:
I think I watched the movie version of this, which came out in 2009. Despite the great storytelling, this is not one that I'd like to read a second time.
I liked this well enough at the time, too. I don't remember a movie, though probably made the decision to skip it. It's not one I would reread either.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I think I read the author's memoir, as well. Need to see if it's recorded in my reading journals.
DeleteGosh, I remember when we were all reading this book and I found it very well done though disturbing. I don't think I'd want to watch the movie. Too much for me.
ReplyDeleteHelen, it was really popular, wasn't it? Yes, very well done, but pretty upsetting to read, too. My daughter was 18 when I read it. Ugh.
DeleteSounds good.
ReplyDeleteMystica, it's well written, but somewhat of a disturbing tale.
DeleteI don't think I got far into this book ... It was sort of disturbing .... so I put it aside. Though it was well regarded etc.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it's definitely disturbing. I doubt I'd read it now (for the first time).
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